WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS

TEN

The driver opened the door of the Bentley and Samantha stepped out of the car in her long black gown and short heels. She had picked the dress and shoe with the theme of a funeral in mind. She smiled thankfully at the driver and headed for the doors of THE MANOR.

Classy, Five star, and expensive. The restaurant screams taste and money. The first thing Sam noticed was the absence of people. There weren't any customers around, she saw the chef in the corner working, and on the other side, she saw one of the most handsome older men she had ever seen before sitting beside the window.

Sam had made it a point not to know anything about the Rice family, but she didn't need anyone to point out that this was James Rice, Billionaire and owner of the Rice Cooperation.

She smiled and walked over to his table. Sam couldn't help but notice that he had one of the kindest eyes she had ever seen.

"You are Mr James Rice." It was more of a question than an acknowledgment.

James nods and smiles warmly. "Yes, I am" He smiles. "-And you must be my elusive daughter-in-law."

Sam couldn't help but smile. Mr. James Rice looked handsome for a man in his late sixties, and he had a disarming yet charming presence.

"Yes, I am."

"Sit." He gestured to the chair in front of him.

Sam sat across him and clasped her hand tight under the table. She was nervous despite his welcoming presence. She couldn't fuck this up despite herself, she found herself staring into his eyes.

His smile reminded him of a warm feeling... a night ago in Chris's arm. She shook her head, dispelling the thoughts about Chris. Funny enough, she hadn't thought about him since she left Las Vegas.

She hadn't had the time to think. From the airport, she had gone to the hospital, and from the hospital, she had gone home to rest and change into her gown. She was tired. This was the first time since that call that she felt relaxed. That's why she started thinking about him.

But, he was an old memory. One she has to stop about. She had the lives of the employees at S&K Corporation to think of, and she also needed to help her father from going to jail.

James signals for the waiter. Sam caught him staring at her silently. She nervously smiled back at him. She didn't know how to act.

"So, did you rent out the whole restaurant because we are dining here?" Sam asked, she had to say something. The silence was eating at her.

James waves his hands, laughing. "Goodness, no, I own this restaurant. I told my employees they should close the restaurant for the day because we are dining here."

"Oh!" Samantha glanced around again. "It is beautiful and classy. We could have dined somewhere else. I didn't mean to impose."

"Imposed? Not at all. You are going to be my daughter-in-law and I can afford to close my restaurant for a day" He winked.

Sam smiled. James talks with a lot of animated gestures. It was warm, watching him. She found that she was not as nervous as when she entered at first. He had made her relaxed. Maybe that was what made him a business mogul. His ability to incapacitate his enemies with his overflowing charms.

"Dave should be here soon. He had some work to attend to."

"Okay." Samantha bites her lips lightly. "Hmm, I have a question. If you don't mind sir."

"Ask away."

"So, your son, Dave, why do you...you know...why do you want your son-"

"To marry you even though both of you would rather not." James finished.